The UAE-based Etihad Airways' biggest ever hiring campaign in India received more than 1,000 applications to fill its 200 cabin crew posts.

The recruitment drive was held in Bangalore, Mumbai and New Delhi and offered jobs to 200 candidates who will now be trained ahead of the airlines' operational expansion in India in December, the company said in a statement.

"India will play an increasingly central part in the expansion of Etihad Airways and we are delighted that so many men and women are keen to join our ranks as members of cabin crew. There are already nearly 4,000 cabin crew flying aboard Etihad Airways aircraft," Etihad Airways' Chief Operations Officer Richard Hill said.

"They enjoy comprehensive training, development, and career opportunities, and we look forward to welcoming new Indian colleagues as we enter this exciting new phase of growth," he said.

The airline recently said that it will increase flight frequencies, and introduce wide-bodied aircraft to India for the first time, with more expansion planned for 2014.

New members undergo a six week training program in Abu Dhabi, which includes all aspects of cabin safety and service delivery.

The training is conducted at Etihad Airways' training academy. The airline employs people from more than 138 countries. PTI Corr BOD 09251332